U.S. patent number 6,748,710 [Application Number 10/113,139] was granted by the patent office on 2004-06-15 for partition trim having functional aspects.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Steelcase Development Corporation. Invention is credited to David M. Gresham, James N. Ludwig, Karl J. Mead, Karl Heinz Mueller.
United States Patent |
6,748,710 |
Gresham , et al. |
June 15, 2004 |
Partition trim having functional aspects
Abstract
A partition and wall system includes a partition with trim
piece(s) securely attached to a top edge and vertical side edges of
the partition. One or both of the trim piece(s) have a T-slot
running along their length, to which accessories can be secured by
use of T-fasteners that extend into the slot and engage blind
surfaces at a bottom of the slot. The accessories include such
things as screens, hooks, lights, panels, shelves, wire managers,
utility-using devices, and the like, and can be easily arranged by
office workers in optimal and customized arrangements, thus
improving efficiency and adding function and value to the office
arrangement.
Inventors: |
Gresham; David M. (E. Grand
Rapids, MI), Ludwig; James N. (E. Grand Rapids, MI),
Mead; Karl J. (E. Grand Rapids, MI), Mueller; Karl Heinz
(E. Grand Rapids, MI) |
Assignee: |
Steelcase Development
Corporation (Caledonia, MI)
|
Family
ID: |
28453527 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/113,139 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/242; 52/36.4;
52/36.5; 52/716.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B
2/7425 (20130101); E04B 2002/7418 (20130101); E04B
2002/742 (20130101); E04B 2002/7479 (20130101); E04B
2002/7483 (20130101); E04B 2002/7487 (20130101); E04B
2002/7488 (20130101); E04B 2002/749 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E04B
2/74 (20060101); E04B 002/74 (); E04F 019/00 ();
E04H 006/00 (); E04C 002/38 () |
Field of
Search: |
;52/242,36.1,364,36.5,287.1,288.1,716.1,238.1,239,466,468,783.1
;160/135 ;211/87.01,94.07 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Exhibit A discloses a product catalog entitled "80/20 The
Industrial Erector Set", published by 80/20 Inc., Columbia City,
Indiana, disclosing a modular system using slotted beams for
connections..
|
Primary Examiner: Friedman; Carl D.
Assistant Examiner: McDermott; Kevin
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Price, Heneveld, Cooper, DeWitt
& Litton, LLP
Claims
We claim:
1. In a reconfigurable partition system of the type having panels
detachably interconnected to define individual workstations,
wherein said panels include at least one frame with a top member,
opposite end members and side faces enclosed by cover panels, the
improvement of an apparatus for selectively accessorizing the
workstations, comprising: at least one accessory having an anchor
portion thereof adapted to detachably mount said accessory on an
associated one of said panels, and an accessory portion thereof
configured to equip an associated one of the workstations; an
elongated top trim member extending along and aesthetically
covering the top member of said frame, and including an outwardly
opening attachment slot extending along at least a substantial
portion of the length of said top trim member, with a predetermined
configuration to receive the anchor portion of said accessory
therein for selectively mounting said accessory at one of a variety
of positions along said top trim member; a first fastener member
detachably yet rigidly attaching said top trim member to the top
member of said frame; an elongated end trim member extending along
and aesthetically covering one of the end members of said frame,
and including an outwardly opening attachment slot extending along
at least a substantial portion of the length of said end trim
member, with a predetermined configuration to receive the anchor
portion of said accessory therein for selectively mounting said
accessory at one of a variety of positions along said end trim
member; a second fastener member detachably yet rigidly attaching
said end trim member to the one end member of said frame; and
wherein said predetermined configuration of said attachment slot on
said top trim member is substantially identical with said
predetermined configuration of said attachment slot on said end
trim member, such that said anchor portion of said accessory can be
received within both to detachably mount said accessory either on
said top trim member in a generally horizontal orientation or on
said end trim member in a generally vertical orientation.
2. A partition system as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said anchor
portion of said accessory has an inverted T-shape to positively yet
detachably mount said accessory on said one panel.
3. A partition system as set forth in claim 2, wherein: said
predetermined configuration of said attachment slot on said top
trim member and said end trim member is T-shaped, and sized to
closely receive said anchor portion of said accessory therein.
4. A partition system as set forth in claim 3, wherein: said
accessory includes a plurality of accessories, each having a
similarly configured anchor portion to attach to both of said top
trim member and said end trim member, and a differently configured
accessory portion to variously equip the workstations.
5. A partition system as set forth in claim 4, wherein: said
accessories include a hook having a hook-shaped free end thereof
shaped to hang items thereon.
6. A partition system as set forth in claim 5, wherein: said hook
includes a threaded base engaged by a similarly threaded nut to
selectively clamp said hook on one of said top trim member and said
end trim member.
7. A partition system as set forth in claim 6, wherein: said
accessories include a privacy screen.
8. A partition system as set forth in claim 7, wherein: said
accessories include a marker board.
9. A partition system as set forth in claim 8, wherein: said
accessories include a wire manager.
10. A partition system as set forth in claim 7, wherein: said
attachment slot extends along a central portion of said top trim
member.
11. A partition system as set forth in claim 10, wherein: said
attachment slot extends along a central portion of said end trim
member.
12. A partition system as set forth in claim 11, wherein: said top
member of said frame has a predetermined width; and said top trim
member has a width substantially commensurate with the
predetermined width of said frame top member to fully cover the
same.
13. A partition system as set forth in claim 12, wherein: said one
end member of said frame has a predetermined width; and said end
trim member has a width substantially commensurate with the
predetermined width of said frame one end member to fully cover the
same.
14. A partition system as set forth in claim 13, wherein: said
frame has an open interior.
15. A partition system as set forth in claim 14, wherein: said
frame is rigid, and includes a generally rectangular elevational
shape.
16. A partition system as set forth in claim 15, wherein: said
cover panels have a generally rectangular shape, and are detachably
mounted on said frame.
17. A partition system as set forth in claim 16, wherein: each of
said panels includes a rigid, rectangular frame with opposed end
members adapted for detachable connection with the end member of an
adjacent one of said frames.
18. A partition system as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said
predetermined configuration of said attachment slot on said top
trim member and said end trim member is T-shaped.
19. A partition system as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said
accessory includes a plurality of accessories, each having a
similarly configured anchor portion to attach to both of said top
trim member and said end trim member, and a differently configured
accessory portion to variously equip the workstations.
20. A partition system as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said
accessory comprises a hook having a hook-shaped free end thereof
shaped to hang items thereon.
21. A partition system as set forth in claim 20, wherein: said hook
includes a threaded base engaged by a similarly threaded nut to
selectively clamp said hook on one of said top trim member and said
end trim member.
22. A partition system as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said
accessory comprises a privacy screen.
23. A partition system as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said
accessory comprises a marker board.
24. A partition system as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said
accessory comprises a wire manager.
25. A partition system as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said frame
is rigid, has an open interior, and includes a generally
rectangular elevational shape.
26. A partition system as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said cover
panels have a generally rectangular shape, and are detachably
mounted on said frame.
27. A partition system as set forth in claim 1, wherein: each of
said panels includes a rigid, rectangular frame with opposed end
members adapted for detachable connection with the end member of an
adjacent one of said frames.
28. An apparatus for accessorizing a reconfigurable partition
system of the type having panels detachably interconnected to
define individual workstations, comprising: at least one accessory
having an anchor portion thereof adapted to detachably mount said
accessory on an associated one of the panels, and an accessory
portion thereof configured to equip an associated one of the
workstations; an elongated top trim member shaped to extend along
and aesthetically cover a top frame member of the panel, and
including an outwardly opening attachment slot extending along at
least a substantial portion of the length of said top trim member,
with a predetermined configuration to receive the anchor portion of
said accessory therein for selectively mounting said accessory at
one of a variety of positions along said top trim member; a first
fastener member adapted to detachably yet rigidly attach said top
trim member to the top member of the frame; an elongated end trim
member shaped to extend along and aesthetically cover an end frame
member of the panel, and including an outwardly opening attachment
slot extending along at least a substantial portion of the length
of said end trim member, with a predetermined configuration to
receive the anchor portion of said accessory therein for
selectively mounting said accessory at one of a variety of
positions along said end trim member; a second fastener member
adapted to detachably yet rigidly attach said end trim member to
the end member of the frame; and wherein said predetermined
configuration of said attachment slot on said top trim member is
substantially identical with said predetermined configuration of
said attachment slot on said end trim member, such that said anchor
portion of said accessory can be received within both to detachably
mount said accessory either on said top trim member in a generally
horizontal orientation or on said end trim member in a generally
vertical orientation.
29. An apparatus as set forth in claim 28, wherein: said anchor
portion of said accessory has an inverted T-shape to positively yet
detachably support said accessory.
30. An apparatus as set forth in claim 29, wherein: said
predetermined configuration of said attachment slot on said top
trim member and said end trim member is T-shaped, and sized to
closely receive said anchor portion of said accessory therein.
31. An apparatus as set forth in claim 30, wherein: said accessory
includes a plurality of accessories, each having a similarly
configured anchor portion to attach to both of said top trim member
and said end trim member, and a differently configured accessory
portion to variously equip the workstations.
32. An apparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein: said
accessories include a hook having a hook-shaped free end thereof
shaped to hang items thereon.
33. A apparatus as set forth in claim 32, wherein: said hook
includes a threaded base engaged by a similarly threaded nut to
selectively clamp said hook on one of said top trim member and said
end trim member.
34. An apparatus as set forth in claim 33, wherein: said
accessories include a privacy screen.
35. An apparatus as set forth in claim 34, wherein: said
accessories include a marker board.
36. An apparatus as set forth in claim 35, wherein: said
accessories include a wire manager.
37. An apparatus as set forth in claim 36, wherein: said attachment
slot extends along a central portion of said top trim member and
said end trim member.
38. In a reconfigurable partition system of the type having panels
detachably interconnected to define individual workstations,
wherein said panels include at least one frame with a top member,
opposite end members and side faces enclosed by cover panels, the
improvement of an apparatus for selectively accessorizing the
workstations, comprising: at least one accessory having an anchor
portion thereof adapted to detachably mount said accessory on an
associated one of said panels, and an accessory portion thereof
configured to equip an associated one of the workstations; an
elongated top trim member extending along and aesthetically
covering the top member of said frame, and including an attachment
member extending along at least a substantial portion of the length
of said top trim member, with a predetermined configuration to
connect with the anchor portion of said accessory therein for
selectively mounting said accessory at one of a variety of
positions along said top trim member; a first fastener member
detachably yet rigidly attaching said top trim member to the top
member of said frame; an elongated end trim member extending along
and aesthetically covering one of the end members of said frame,
and including an attachment member extending along at least a
substantial portion of the length of said end trim member, with a
predetermined configuration to connect with the anchor portion of
said accessory therein for selectively mounting said accessory at
one of a variety of positions along said end trim member; a second
fastener member detachably yet rigidly attaching said end trim
member to the one end member of said frame; and wherein said
predetermined configuration of said attachment member on said top
trim member is substantially identical with said predetermined
configuration of said attachment member on said end trim member,
such that said anchor portion of said accessory can be connected
with both to detachably mount said accessory either on said top
trim member in a generally horizontal orientation or on said end
trim member in a generally vertical orientation.
39. A partition system as set forth in claim 38, wherein: said
accessory includes a plurality of accessories, each having a
similarly configured anchor portion to attach to both of said top
trim member and sand end trim member, and a differently configured
accessory portion to variously equip the workstations.
40. A partition system as set forth in claim 39, wherein: said
accessories include a hook having a hook-shaped free end thereof
shaped to hang items thereon.
41. A partition system as set forth in claim 40, wherein: said hook
includes a threaded base engaged by a similarly threaded nut to
selectively clamp said hook on one of said top trim member and said
end trim member.
42. A partition system as set forth in claim 41, wherein: said
accessories include a privacy screen.
43. A partition system as set forth in claim 42, wherein: said
accessories include a marker board.
44. A partition system as set forth in claim 43, wherein: said
accessories include a wire manager.
45. A partition system as set forth in claim 44, wherein: said
frame has an open interior.
46. A partition system as set forth in claim 45, wherein: said
frame is rigid, and includes a generally rectangular elevational
shape.
47. A partition system as set forth in claim 46, wherein: said
cover panels have a generally rectangular shape, and are detachably
mounted on said frame.
48. A partition system as set forth in claim 47, wherein: each of
said panels includes a rigid, rectangular frame with opposed end
members adapted for detachable connection with the end member of an
adjacent one of said frames.
Description
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to partitions having trim pieces
covering one or more top and vertical side edges of the
partitions.
Partition systems are often used to subdivide building space. It is
important that the partitions be aesthetically trimmed out to look
their best, since partitions are highly visible and can dominate
the aesthetics of an office or work area. Further, the trim should
preferably be securely attached and also should provide durable
protection for edges of the partition so that the partitions not
only last a long time, but also look good for a long time. Still
further, the trim should preferably not interfere with the
partition system, such that the trim permits rearrangeability and
reconfiguration of the partitions. The trim should not add an
excessive number of parts and expensive pieces, and preferably
should not complicate interconnection of partitions and trimming
out of the rearranged pieces. However, there is tension between
these different concepts, and there is no easy solution. In
particular, it is difficult to maintain trim alignment in long runs
of partitions and at 90-degree corners in partitions, while also
providing releasability and removability of the trim. This problem
becomes worse when trim is used for more than merely providing a
visually clean surface, as discussed below.
Modern offices are becoming smaller and smaller, and there is an
increasing effort to optimize use of office space as well as to
make maximum use of every bit of available space. Further, business
owners have found that it can be very important to allow workers to
customize their areas and make the areas their "own", because
workers will tend to work harder, have a better attitude, and
therefore be more productive. Designers have focused their
attention on the area in front of partitions and on the partition
itself for many years. However, the area in and around the edges of
partitions has often been ignored, with many designers taking the
position that it must be kept visually "clean" and the trim must be
kept absolutely as low-cost as possible. Consistent with that
philosophy, manufacturers of partitions spend much of their
resources in making partition frames as strong as possible, and
then trim out and cover the partition frames with less expensive
materials. However, the low-cost non-structural trim can be a
barrier to attaching accessories in and around edges of the
partition (i.e. in the plane of the partition), since by
definition, the trim covers up the edges of the partition so that
the partition "looks good". Some partition systems include brackets
that extend around the edge trim and that are connected to the
partition frame. Usually, the brackets have a thin section for
fitting through a narrow access slit past the trim into the
partition frame. However, the narrowness of the access slit causes
an increase in a length of the bracket, causing the accessory to be
spaced away from the partition frame, such that these style
brackets have to be beefed up in order to provide the structural
support required for supporting accessories having significant
weight. Also, keeping in mind that trim covers edges of a
partition, the trim tends to drive the accessories away from
positions immediately adjacent the edges of the partition.
Accordingly, an apparatus is desired solving the aforementioned
problems and having the aforementioned advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, a partition system includes
a partition having opposing faces defining front and rear planes, a
top edge, and vertical side edges, and at least one trim piece
attached to the partition and extending along at least one of the
top edge and side edges, the trim piece aesthetically covering at
least a portion of the one edge. The trim piece has a body
extending between the front and rear planes with an attachment
feature located between the planes that is adapted to receive a
fastener for securing an accessory to the body of the trim piece.
The trim piece is made of a structural material capable of carrying
and supporting the accessory during use of the accessory.
In another aspect of the present invention, a partition system
includes a partition having a top edge and vertical side edges, the
top edge being elongated and extending across the partition between
the vertical side edges. The top edge includes an upper surface
that defines a slot positioned between front and rear portions of
the top edge. An accessory with a fastener extends into the slot to
retain the accessory to the partition.
In another aspect of the present invention, a trim system is
provided that is configured and adapted to cover a side or top edge
of a partition or wall. The trim system includes a trim piece
having a width selected to at least partially cover the edge. The
trim piece is elongated and has a transverse section defining a
longitudinally-extending slot with at least one blind surface. An
accessory with a fastener is provided that is shaped to fit into
the slot and engage the blind surface to retain the accessory to
the trim body.
These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present
invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in
the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and
appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an office arrangement including
partitions with trim pieces embodying the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the partition frames of FIG. 1,
including the top trim piece, end trim piece and side covers
exploded away from the closest one of the partitions;
FIG. 3 is a cross section of the trim piece shown in FIG. 2, and
FIG. 3A is a cross section of a modified trim piece similar to FIG.
3 but having a top recess;
FIGS. 4-7 are top, side, bottom, and end views of a partition frame
from FIG. 2;
FIGS. 8-9 are cross sections taken along the lines VIII--VIII and
IX--IX in FIG. 5;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the circled area X in FIG. 2;
FIG. 11 is a cross section taken along the line XI--XI in FIG. 10,
including a trim piece mounted thereto; and
FIGS. 12-16, FIGS. 17-19, FIG. 20, and FIG. 21 show various
accessories adapted for engagement with the T-slot of the trim
piece of FIG. 1.
More particularly, in regard to FIGS. 12-21:
FIG. 15 is a cross section taken along the line XV--XV in FIG.
14;
FIG. 15A is an end view of the tunnel-shaped wire manager, which
fits into the end piece of the wire manager as shown in FIG. 13 in
phantom lines, and FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a top trim
piece with a through formed therein for feeding wires from under
the tunnel member through the trim piece into an internal cavity of
a partition frame;
FIG. 16 is a cross section taken along the line XVI--XVI in FIG.
13, which shows an inner end of the end piece of the wire manager,
and its engagement with the T-slot in the trim piece, and the
engagement of the tunnel-shaped wire manager with the end
piece;
FIGS. 17-18 are side and bottom views of a hook accessory, with
FIG. 19 showing engagement of the hook in the T-slot in the trim
piece;
FIG. 20 is a fragmentary perspective view of a partition including
a T-slot top trim piece and a T-slot end trim piece, and including
a top-of-panel mounted screen and its engagement with the T-slot of
a top trim piece, and including a side-mounted hook and its
engagement with the T-slot of the end trim piece, and including a
side-mounted erasable marker board and its engagement with the
T-slot of the end trim piece; and
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an inverted L-bracket adapted for
mounting a panel on a face of a partition as shown in FIG. 1,
including showing its engagement with a T-slot of a top trim
piece.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A partition system 30 (FIG. 1) includes partitions 31 adjustably
interconnected and outfitted to form offices. Tops and exposed ends
of the partitions 31 are covered with top and end trim pieces 33
and 34, for aesthetically covering and protecting the partitions.
The illustrated trim pieces 33 and 34 are made of structural
material and have beefed-up sections with elongated T-slots formed
in their exposed surface, and further, they are securely attached
to the partitions 31. By this arrangement, a plurality of different
accessories can be adjustably mounted to tops and ends of the trim
pieces 33 and 34 on the partitions 31. The illustrated accessories
include a wire manager system 35, a hook 36, a screen 37, an
upright/lateral erasable marker board 38, a hanging binder bin 39,
a hanging shelf 40, a hanging erasable marker board 41, a
top-mounted cantilevered light 42, a top-mounted cantilevered
document holder 43, and a side-attached table 44, but it will be
clear to persons skilled in the art of furniture after reading the
description below that additional accessories can be developed
using the present inventive concepts.
The present inventive concepts can be adapted for use on most any
partition or wall structure. The illustrated partitions 31 are
sufficiently described below for an understanding of the present
invention by persons skilled in this art. Nonetheless, additional
detailed discussion of the partitions 31, their structure and
advantages of their construction can be found in the following
patent applications, the entire contents of which are incorporated
in their entirety by reference: co-assigned application Ser. No.
10/077,553, filed Feb. 15, 2002, entitled PANEL SYSTEM, and
co-assigned application Ser. No. 10/076,709, filed Feb. 15, 2002,
entitled PARTITION PANEL WITH MODULAR APPLIANCE MOUNTING
ARRANGEMENT.
The illustrated partitions 31 (FIG. 5) each include a frame
assembly 50 having two end frame members 51 and 52, a top frame
member 53, and a bottom frame member 54 forming a perimeter frame.
The frame assembly 50 may also include one or more optional
intermediate frame members 55, and one or more optional
intermediate accessory frame members 56. The frame members 51-56
are covered using removable covers 57 (FIG. 1), and are secured
together to form a rigid structure suitable for supporting work
surfaces 58, and other furniture and accessories commonly
associated with office and subdivision of building space. The
illustrated frame assembly 50 further includes adjustable glides or
"feet" 59 so that the partitions 31 can be leveled to accommodate
unevenness in floors.
The top frame member 53 (FIG. 8) has a cross section with the flat
center wall 60 and upwardly protruding rectangular side ridges 61
and 62 that define a center channel 63 between them. The ridges 61
and 62 include upper/outer corners with a horizontal row of
longitudinally-extending short slots 63', which can be engaged with
hooked brackets for supporting furniture articles such as binder
bins, shelves, and the like. The center wall 60 includes a series
of holes 64 with threaded nuts 65 tack-welded under the holes 64.
Long bolts 66 are extended through mating holes in the trim piece
33 and threadably into the holes 64 and nuts 65. Depending on a
depth of the channel 63, the number of bolts 66, and a lateral
strength requirement of the attachment, a foam block 67 (FIG. 11)
or similar stabilizer can be added to each connection. If desired,
the block 67 can have concave sides to allow for longitudinal
passage of wires past the block 67. In FIG. 11, a connector plate
67' extends into channels 63 in adjacent frames 50, and screws 67"
secure the connector plate 67' to the frames 50 to align and
interconnect the frames 50.
The end frame member 51 (and 52) (FIG. 9) is similar to the top
frame member 53, although the channel that it defines is much
shallower. Specifically, the end frame member 51 includes a cross
section with a flat center wall 70, and outwardly protruding
rectangular side ridges 71 and 72 that define a channel 73 between
them. The ridges 71 and 72 include outer corners with a vertical
row of longitudinally-extending short slots 73', which can be
engaged with hooked brackets for supporting furniture articles. The
center wall 70 includes a series of holes 74 with threaded nuts 75
tack-welded under the holes 74. Long bolts 76 are extended through
mating holes in the trim piece 34 and threadably into the holes 74
and nuts 75. Blocks similar to blocks 67 can be used if increased
stability of the bolts 76 is needed, but it is contemplated that
stabilizing blocks will not be needed due to the short length of
the bolts 76. Also, it is noted that the frame members 51 (and 52)
are stabilized by a reinforcement 78 under center wall 70 (FIG.
9).
The top trim piece 33 (FIG. 3) has a width and length chosen to
cover a top surface of the partition 31. Notably, the length of the
top trim pieces 33 can be longer or shorter than individual
partitions 31, as long as a total length equals a length of an
interconnected run of partitions 31. (Notice in FIG. 1 that some
top trim pieces 33 span two partitions 31.) The illustrated trim
piece 33 (FIG. 3) includes flat top and side surfaces 80 and 81,
and includes a bottom surface 82 with flat landings 83 and 84 for
resting on the protruding ridges 61 and 62. The bottom surface 82
further includes a down-ridge 85 that extends partially into the
channel 63. The down-ridge 85 has a width so that its edges abut
the inside corners of the ridges 61 and 62, thus centering the trim
piece 33 on the top frame member 53. If increased stability is
desired, the outer edges of the side surfaces 80 and 81 can include
a down lip so that the protruding ridges 61 and 62 are positively
captured. A top surface of the top trim piece 33 is relatively
flat, with the exception of a center area where the T-slot 87 is
formed. The T-slot 87 includes a neck portion 88 and a wide portion
89 with blind surfaces 90 and 91. A bottom flange 92 forms a bottom
of the T-slot 87. Holes 93 are bored through the bottom flanges 92,
and each includes a recess 94 for receiving a head of the bolt 66.
By this arrangement, when the bolts 66 are in an assembled
position, the head of the bolt 66 is removed from the T-slot 87, so
that the bolt 66 does not interfere with use of the T-slot 87. It
is also noted that the top trim piece 33 could be attached by
extending screws through the top trim piece 33 at positions outside
the T-slot 87 and into the side ridges 61 and 62.
A cross sectional shape of the trim piece 33 can be varied for
aesthetics and functional reasons. The illustrated cross sections
shape of trim piece 33 includes a flat top surface 80 and flat side
surfaces 81 that define a rectangular shape. However, the top
surface can be modified as shown by top trim piece 33A, which
includes top surface 80' with a dish-shaped recess 96. This dish
shape has an aesthetic appeal, and when used with the wire manager
system 35, also provides increased room for routing wiring along a
top of the partition 31, as described below. It is noted that the
trim piece 33 can span aligned adjacent partitions 31 (see FIG. 1,
the top left two partitions). It is also noted that the dish-shaped
recess 96 could be divided in half by a vertical flange, so as to
subdivide and separate recess 96 into two channels, one being for
communication wiring and one being for power electrical wiring.
The illustrated slots 87 work particularly well, since accessories
can be positioned anywhere along the top or ends of the partitions
31. However, a scope of the present inventive concepts is believed
to include other attachment features, such as a protruding ridge
(e.g. a T-shaped ridge), a plurality of discrete locations instead
of continuous slot (e.g. a series of holes or short slots, not
unlike the slots 63' in top frame member 53). Hook and loop
material could also be used.
The illustrated end trim piece 34 (FIG. 9, but also see FIGS. 1 and
3) has the same cross sectional shape as the top trim piece 33, and
accordingly, a second description is not necessary for an
understanding of trim piece 34. The illustrated end trim piece 33
is interchangeable with top trim piece 33, except perhaps for its
length, which will vary depending upon the partitions 31.
As noted above, the illustrated accessories include a wire manager
system 35, a hook 36, a screen 37, an erasable marker board 38, a
hanging binder bin 39, a hanging shelf 40, a hanging erasable
marker board 41, a top-mounted cantilevered light 42, a top-mounted
cantilevered document holder 43, and a side-attached table 44. Each
accessory includes at least one anchor that operably engages a
blind surface in the T-slot and further includes a base opposing
the anchor, so that as the anchor is drawn toward the base, the
arrangement clampingly and stably retains the accessory to an
exposed outer surface of the trim piece 33 (or 34) and hence to the
associated partition 31. Depending on the functional needs of the
accessory, such as the need for stability, the need to provide
torque to resist lateral forces (such as may occur when a person is
writing on an erasable marker board), the need for styling and/or
aesthetics, and other considerations, the visible portion of the
base can be varied, or multiple bases and anchors can be used, or
both.
The illustrated wire manager system 35 (FIG. 1) includes a tunnel
element 100, a terminator element 101, and an overhead-utility
down-feed element 102. The overhead-utility down-feed element 102
is adapted to communicate utilities, such as wires, downwardly from
a ceiling or from an overhead framework of a post-and-beam
furniture system. The tunnel element 100 has an inverted U-shaped
cross sectional shape (FIG. 15A) that forms an inner passageway
103, and has a width selected so that the legs of the U-shape can
rest on a top trim piece 33 of a partition 31. A through hole or
aperture 37' (FIG. 15B) can be cut through the trim piece 33 (or
34) to allow wires to pass through the trim piece 37 down into an
internal cavity of the partition 31. The overhead-utility down-feed
element 102 (FIG. 1) includes a side wall facing the direction of
the tunnel element 100, with a cut-out 102' shaped to mateably
engage the tunnel element 100, such that the tunnel element 100 can
be extended into the cut-out for optimal aesthetics. At the other
end of the tunnel element 100, the terminator element 101 is
positioned. The terminator element 101 (FIGS. 12-16) has a
half-cup-shaped body 104 with a lip 105 forming an open mouth for
receiving the end of the tunnel element 100. A base flange 106
extends around the down side of the body 104, and is adapted to
rest on the top trim piece 33. A first pair of legs 107 and 108
extend downwardly from a middle area of the cup-shaped body 104.
The legs 107 and 108 are resilient, and include hooks 109 and 110
on their ends that are shaped to releasably engage opposing sides
of the T-slot 87 to retain the body 104 on the top trim piece 33.
Additional secondary legs 111 can be located between the legs 107
and the sides of the body, for providing additional stability and
strength to the body 104. It is noted that the tunnel element 100
can extend longer or shorter than the partition 31, and longer or
shorter than the top trim 33 on which it rests.
In FIG. 1, the down-feed element 102 drops wires 114 to one end of
the partition 31, and the tunnel element 100 extends across a top
of and past that partition 31 onto the top of a second partition
31. This allows wires 114 located within the tunnel element 100 to
be communicated across a top of the first partition 31 and then
down into the second partition 31, without having to route the
wiring through the first partition 31 into the second partition 31.
(The wires 114 are extended along the T-slot 87 to light 42.) This
arrangement of wire management greatly facilitates office
rearrangements, since the wiring is easy to reach, see, and
re-route.
The hook 36 (FIGS. 17-19) includes a center stem 116 with a hook
element 117 on one end and a transverse segment or anchor 118 on
its other end. The stem 116 and anchor 118 form an inverted
T-shape. A base or disk 119 is attached to the center stem 116 at a
location spaced from the anchor 118. The outside of the disk 119 is
threaded, and a nut 120 is threaded onto the disk 119. To insert
the hook 36 into the T-slot, the anchor 118 is oriented so that it
aligns with the neck portion 88 of the T-slot 87. In this position,
the anchor 118 fits through the neck portion 88 of the T-slot 87.
The stem 116 and anchor 118 are then rotated 90-degrees, which
causes the anchor 118 to move into the wide portion 89 of the slot
87, with its ends engaging the blind surfaces 90 and 91 on the
T-slot 87. The nut 120 is then rotated while the hook element 117
is held stationary, such that the nut 120 threadably moves
downwardly on the disk 119 until the nut 120 clamps against the
marginal material of the top trim piece 33 forming the neck portion
88. Due to a width of the hut 120 and of the anchor 118, the hook
36 is stably held on the top trim piece 33. The hook 36 can
similarly be attached to the end trim piece 34 (see FIG. 1).
The screen 37 (FIG. 20) includes a bent wire frame 123 covered with
a screen fabric material 124. The frame 123 includes a lower
horizontal frame member 125 with an up-bend 126 at its corners. The
frame 123 includes side frame members 127 with foot sections 128
that extend below the up-bend 126. The foot sections 128 are not
unlike the stem 116. The foot sections 128 include a transverse
segment or anchor 129 on its other end, which forms an inverted
T-shape. A base 130 is attached to the foot section 128 at a
location spaced from the anchor 129. The base 130 includes a disk
130' that is threaded, and a nut 131 that is threaded onto the disk
130'. To insert the anchor 129 into the T-slot, the anchor 129 is
oriented so that it aligns with the wide portion 89 of the T-slot
87. In this position, the anchor 129 slops into an end of the
T-slot, with the anchor 129 engaging the blind surfaces 90 and 91
on the T-slot 87. The nut 131 is then rotated while the frame 123
is stationary, such that the nut 131 threadably moves downwardly on
the disk 130' until the nut 131 clamps against the marginal
material of the top trim piece 33 forming the neck portion 88. Due
to a width of the nut 131 and of the anchor 129, the screen 37 is
stably held on the top trim piece 33. The screen 37 can similarly
be attached to the end trim piece 34 (see FIG. 1). In such case,
the screen 37 extends laterally outward from the partition 31 in a
plane of the partition 31.
Two erasable marker boards 38 and 41 are shown in FIG. 1, with
marker board 38 extending laterally or upwardly from the partition
31, and the marker board 41 lying against a face of the partition
31. Specifically, the marker board 38 includes a perimeter channel
frame 135 with white erasable marker board material 136 inside the
channel frame 135. Two legs 137 extend laterally from the perimeter
channel frame 135. Each include a threaded stem, an anchor, a
base/disk, and a threaded nut, similar to those described above for
the screen 37. The marker board 38 can be attached to the top trim
piece 33 or to the end trim piece 34 (as shown), and extends
outwardly from the partition 31. The marker board 41 includes an
L-shaped bracket 139 (FIG. 21) having a top leg 140 (FIG. 21) that
extends across the top trim piece 33. A pair of stems 145, anchors
146, disks 147, and threaded nuts 148 extend from the top leg 140
for clamping engagement with the T-slot 87 on the top trim piece
33. The bracket 139 includes a down leg 141 that extends downwardly
flush against a face of the partition 31. The down leg 141 has a
length so that it positions an erasable surface 142 (FIG. 1) at a
desired height on the face of the partition 31. The illustrated
erasable board 41 has a perimeter channel frame 143 and a white
erasable surface 144 like the marker board 38.
The hanging binder bin 39 (FIG. 1) is mounted on an L-bracket 139'
similar to the L-bracket 139 for the erasable marker board, but the
L-bracket 139' is beefed up for the additional weight that it is
likely to carry. A pair of brackets 139' can be used if necessary
to support the binder bin 149.
The hanging shelf 40 (FIG. 1) is mounted on a pair of bent wire
side supports 150. The supports 150 have a triangular end with a
horizontal segment 151 adapted to carry a shelf panel 152 in a
horizontal position. The supports 150 further have an angled
segment 153 to a top tip at the top trim piece 33. A rear leg of
bent wire 155 extends from the top tip across a top of the top trim
piece 33, and includes a stem, an anchor, a base/disk, and a
threaded nut, as previously describe.
The top-mounted cantilevered light 42 and the top-mounted
cantilevered document holder 43 each include a panel base plate 160
that engages a top of the top trim piece 33. Each include a stem,
anchor, (base plate 160), and at least one nut 161 for clamping
retention to the T-slot 87 of the top trim piece 33.
It is contemplated that furniture can be attached to the slots 87.
For example, the side-attached table 44 includes a stem, anchor,
base, and nut for retaining the table 44 adjacent the end trim
piece 34 of the partition 31. It is contemplated that benches,
chairs, or the like could also be coupled to or tethered to the
partition 31.
An advantage of mounting the accessories 35-44 anywhere along the
partitions 31 is that it provides infinite and easy adjustability.
This lets the office worker locate accessories in optimal locations
and positions for workflow, and lets the worker adjust for changing
needs and preferences. Customization of an office leads to
individuality, identity, and personality of a workspace, as well as
pride and ownership of the space. The user can easily adjust his
office to changing needs without requiring skilled trades
assistance in order to make the change. Further, the accessories
are mounted in areas not previously used, such as areas directly
above the partitions and off free ends of the partitions, which
areas were previously wasted space and/or at least
under-utilized.
Additional accessories are shown in a commonly-assigned patent
application Ser. No. 10/113,124, filed on Mar. 29, 2002 (same day
as present application), entitled BUILDING OUTFITTING SYSTEM WITH
COMMON ACCESSORY MOUNTING FEATURE, and the entire contents of that
application are incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference.
It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be
made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the
concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be
understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the
following claims unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
* * * * *